How was your morning? You probably didn’t even think of it until this moment. Getting out of bed, putting on your clothes and eating breakfast all seemed like mundane activities. What if you couldn’t do any of those things by yourself anymore? Merely considering such a possibility is difficult.

But there are individuals in Saudi Arabia who are in exactly that situation. Through no fault of their own they are unable to manage most of life’s basic tasks. These days we say that such individuals have “special needs.” Years ago they were simply labeled handicapped or crippled. And for years, the disabled were taken out of society instead of enabled to be a part of it.

Fortunately, times are changing. It is finally being acknowledged that individuals with special needs want to live as normal a life as they can. Part of that desire for normalcy is participating in the social activities of our society.

For the second year, Saudi Aramco through its Community Outreach Program, made it possible for special needs individuals in the Eastern Province to be included in the Eid Al-Adha festivities. The company opened its Dhahran Hills recreation facilities for the event and provided entertainment, a buffet lunch and gifts for all the participants. Once again several departments in Saudi Aramco joined together to host the parties. Staff from Transportation, Recreation, Public Relations and Safety & Industrial Security all gave time from their Eid holiday to put on wonderful celebrations for children and adults who spend most of their days in institutional care at sites around the Eastern Province.

“We have separate parties here at Dhahran Hills for the male and female special needs individuals,” explained Sana Khalil Younis Abdul Rahman, PR representative for Saudi Aramco and coordinator for the event. “We have been told that these children and adults enjoy being out of doors as much as possible. God has blessed us with a beautiful, sunny day for the functions so the participants are able to laugh and play in the lovely landscaped setting of the Dhahran Hills Park.”

Play they did. There was a karate demonstration, games and folklore groups. Saudi Aramco Safety brought out the fire trucks for a fun-filled foam show. It was not quite snow — but as close as possible in a desert country such as the Kingdom. Cotton candy, popcorn and orange soda were served before lunch and if a few appetites were ruined, nobody minded a bit. This was fun in earnest.

Yes, the children were seriously handicapped; most afflicted with several disabilities. They came with their nurses, aids and social workers to the event and many required continuous support throughout the Eid celebration. That was not a problem. All that mattered was being out in the sun and making merry. The children danced and sang. Some had to be held upright by nurses and aids, two to a child, but the youngsters insisted to move to the beat of the drums — and it was so.

To hold such an event required at least double the number of caregivers and organizers as participants, but plenty of help was at hand.

“The National Honor Society (NHS) from Dhahran High School is proud to be involved in such a selfless, charitable activity,” said NHS member Nadia Merchant. “This is a continuation of NHS’ tradition of service. It is activities such as this one that help to bring the community together and remind us of how lucky we are every day of our lives.”

The children were not able to communicate in words but their huge smiles said everything. Faiga Dolyjan, a social worker from the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center in Dammam, was very pleased with the Eid event. She said that this party has become one of the highlights of the year for the residents of their home.

“We do our best to take the children on outings,” Dolyjan remarked. “Businessmen in the Eastern Province are very generous in hosting us at recreation centers, amusement parks and shopping malls. It is a special treat though for the children to be out with the grass and trees here in Saudi Aramco’s park, playing with the excellent playground equipment. Everything has been thought of to make their day wonderful.”

Filipina nurse One Dolores has been working at the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center for five years. She explained that the children had varying levels of awareness of the occasion of Eid.

“Their level of understanding of the reason for this event differs, but they are all enjoying the party” said Dolores. “Some of the children know it is Eid because they received new clothes. We have nearly 200 children at our facility and unfortunately some of them could not be moved. I wish we could have brought them all. For those who have come this is a very happy day and we all thank Saudi Aramco for making it possible.”

Higher management in Saudi Aramco initiated the Community Outreach Program. However, the program and the events it supports have become dear to the hearts of the entire Saudi Aramco community. In a show of support for the Eid celebration for special needs individuals, Khalid I. Abubshait, GM, Saudi Aramco Government Affairs, came to greet the volunteers at the event and to personally ensure that everything and more had been done to make the day a success.

“This event is part of our good citizenship initiative,” Abubshait commented. “There are many volunteer groups within Saudi Aramco and we are working to promote the concept of volunteerism both within the company and in the communities we serve around the world.”

Saudi Aramco’s 54,000 employees globally are being actively encouraged to give of their time and their skills. A corporate volunteer database is currently 80 percent completed. The database will allow Saudi Aramco employees to register their talents, time available and activities in which they would be interested in participating. This will facilitate the recruitment of volunteers for events such as those sponsored by the Community Outreach Program.

“The Community Outreach Program is a fulfillment of the notion of civic service outlined in our corporate charter,” said Abubshait. “We want to encourage people to see beyond their own personal needs and work for the good of the community at large. Volunteering is a contribution of self that is not getting enough attention. Through our Community Outreach Program Saudi Aramco aims to show what is possible if people work together for a worthwhile goal.”